Friends of the Library

Friends of the Library Commemorative Newsletter (PDF)

Serving with distinction

Outstanding public libraries of all sizes know that the difference between very good service and excellent service is often through the efforts of their Friends organizations. Here at the Kansas City Public Library, the Friends have been an integral part of the system for over 20 years, and hope to continue for many years.

By joining the Friends, you can help provide that margin of excellence. Through kiosk sales, regular book sales, membership fees, online merchandising, and other fundraising programs, the Friends help to pay for library items not otherwise covered by other means. Investments in displays, children’s learning materials, upgraded information technologies, and even something as seemingly small as a soft rug for listeners to sit on while listening to a story are all part of our goal to enhance learning and the discovery of new worlds for the library society.

Besides that, the Friends help in funding scholarships for MLA students and pay for expenses to send library representatives to the annual ALA conference. As well, the Friends co-sponsor The Bradbury Speaker Series, which has in the past featured a long list of respected and renown personalities such as Ruby Dee and Ossie Davis, Isabelle Allende, Caroline Kennedy, John Updike, and many more.

Your membership is critical to the continuation of all these projects, as well as more to come as individuals and committees generate fresh ideas to take the Friends to new heights. Just as important as your dues is your time and expertise as a volunteer, helping on any of almost of dozen projects and programs needing more and more recruits every year.

We make it easy for you to join. Pay for a membership online or complete the attached application and take it to any Kansas City Public Library facility, or mail to:

Friends of the Library
Kansas City Public Library
PO Box 30447
Kansas City, MO 64112